Thyroid Tests

Thyroid tests or thyroid function tests are done to check the thyroid function in one’s body. A doctor will be able to determine and diagnose the thyroid disorder an individual may be suffering from. The initial thyroid test is done through a blood sample. The thyroid test checks on the level of thyroid stimulating hormones or TSH and other thyroid hormones in the body. A high level of thyroid stimulating hormones indicates that the thyroid gland is failing due to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones responsible for metabolism in the body. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones needed by the body. If the thyroid stimulating hormones are low, this indicates that an individual is suffering from hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland. In this case, the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones more than what the body needs. If an individual has a normal level of thyroid stimulating hormones in the body, this means that the thyroid gland functions normally.

Thyroid Blood Test

Thyroid blood tests are one of the tests conducted in an individual to gauge the thyroid stimulating hormones in the body. This test shows imbalances that often go undetected with other limited assessments. This test is not only able to determine hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It may also point into sub-clinical manifestation of other thyroid dysfunctions. Thyroid blood tests are done to assess the following:

Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG)

Hypersensitive stimulating hormones (TSH)

Free thyroxine (T4)

Free triiodothyronine (T3)

The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. After which, a diagnosis can then be given to an individual for him to know which thyroid disorder he is suffering from.

Interesting Questions about Thyroid:

What is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. It affects many Americans, including Olympic athlete Gail Devers, who won a gold medal in track after being diagnosed with and treated for Graves’ disease.

Graves’ disease is caused by problems with the immune system. Normally, the immune system defends the body against germs and viruses. In autoimmune diseases such as Graves’, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. In Graves’ disease, the body produces antibodies which make the thyroid gland produce too much thyroid hormone.

Diseases of the immune system tend to run in families and are about five times more common in women. Graves’ is linked to other autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, premature gray hair, diabetes mellitus, arthritis and patchy loss of skin pigment (vitiligo).

How Do Doctors Test For Hyperthyroidism?

As with any disease, it is important that you watch for the early warning signs of hyperthyroidism. However, only your doctor can tell for sure whether or not you have the disease. Your doctor may examine:

Radioactive iodine is used to shrink a thyroid gland that has become enlarged or is producing too much hormone. It may be used on patients with hyperthyroidism, a goiter, or some cases of cancer.

Surgery is normally used to remove a cancer and may also be used to remove a large goiter.

Thyroid hormone pills are a common treatment for hypothyroidism, for patients with a goiter, and for patients who have had thyroid surgery. The pills provide the body with the right amount of thyroid hormone.

Anithyroid drugs and beta-blocking drugs are used to treat hyperthyroid patients.

Thyroid Test Ranges

The validity of a thyroid stimulating hormone test lies on the reference range. After one submits himself for a thyroid test, test results will then be compared and assessed with the normal thyroid hormone range. If test result fall under or above normal hormone range, it then shows that an individual is suffering from a thyroid disorder. When the thyroid gland is dysfunctional, numerous problems may arise. Some people will then feel symptoms leading to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or worst, thyroid cancer. With the help of thyroid tests, a physician will be able to diagnose which thyroid disorder an individual may be suffering from, thus a treatment and medication will be provided.

Thyroid Test T4

There are two types of T4 tests. Total T4 test and free T4 test. These tests help physicians evaluate the thyroid function. Total T4 test is used to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This is a very useful test but protein level in the blood may affect this test. With this common problem being encountered once total T4 test is done, free T4 test has replaced the latter. Free T4 test is not affected by protein kevels ion the body, thus providing a more accurate result and diagnosis.

Thyroid Test Results

Thyroid test results are provided after blood samples are assessed in the laboratory. Thyroid test results are then compared to the normal hormone range needed in the body. If thyroid test results show a high level or low level of hormone results, a diagnosis will then be provided. With this, a physician will then talk to the patient and inform him of his thyroid disorder. Proper treatment and medication will then be given to cure the thyroid disorder. Treatment and medication depends on the extent of the thyroid disorder.

Thyromine is a health supplement that helps provide nutrition to the thyroid gland to help it function healthily. Thyromine can help treat both under and over active thyroid problems.

Thyromine was originally created because researchers found that the thyroid gland often had issues that it could reverse on its own if it were getting the proper nutrition it needed. The nutrition that thyroid glands need is amino acids, iodine and vitamins and minerals found in vegetables. Thyromine is a complete supplement that provides all the nutrients the thyroid gland needs.

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Your Thyroid – Where Is It And What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the base of your throat, below your voice box. Thyroid tissue is secretes 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones are thyroid thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most people assume that metabolism is about the gastrointestinal tract and yes, it is. But it’s also about cellular metabolism. This is how your cells get fuel to produce the energy needed for cellular functions.

Thyroid hormones play an integral regulatory role in this process. Every cell in your body has thyroid hormone (TH) receptors. This means they ALL need TH at some point to function.

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Production

Most of the hormone produced by the thyroid is T4 (around 80%) and the rest is T3. The body can’t use T4 so it’s converted to the more metabolically active T3 elsewhere in the body. T3 is then used to regulate a myriad of metabolic processes at cellular level.

When you have low thyroxine levels (T4) it means you’ll also have low levels of T3. This type of thyroid imbalance causes serious health problems. For a start, it means processes like insulin mediated glucose uptake are impaired. Glucose is your body’s primary source of cellular fuel. If your cells can’t get enough glucose to generate energy, they can’t function correctly. That in turn means you won’t function very well!

The Many Different Thyroid Problems

The power factories in cells (mitochondria) also need TH. TH ensures they receive enough glucose to produce energy. It also regulates the generation of new mitochondria. Without enough TH cells can’t produce new power factories to replace old ones as they die off. That’s on top of not getting enough fuel to produce energy!

This is why low TH levels can affect every major system and organ in your body. Blood circulation and pressure. Heart health. Body temperature. Mood and neurological function. Skin health and so on. They all rely on having healthy, functioning cells. But without correct cellular metabolism happening, they can’t be healthy. And that has disastrous consequences for your health!

Hypothyroidism – Low Thyroid Hormone Disorder

Serious thyroid deficiency disease, or hypothyroidism, affects around 2 to 3% of Americans. A further 10 – 15% have some form of subclinical hypothyroid disorder. Some experts believe the true figure is more like 80 – 90%! This makes hypothyroidism the most common of all thyroid conditions in humans.

Common Thyroid Syndrome Symptoms

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms that range from being almost undetectable to life threatening. It depends on the stage the disease is at. There is a list of the most common problems due to thyroid malfunction here.

Causes Of Thyroid Dysfunction

Many things can cause thyroid dysfunction. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developing countries. In developed countries it’s Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Other causes include thyroid tumors as well as pituitary and hypothalamus disorders. Radioactive treatment and some types of drugs are other common causes. Pregnancy is another. Menopausal women are also far more likely to develop this disorder than men.

Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. The Thyroid Guide does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by The Thyroid Guide are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

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Are Thyroid Problems Common?

Thyroid function problems are relatively common. Thyroid hormone disease results from overactive or underactive thyroid function. Of these two, the underactive thyroid function disorder hypothyroidism is far more common. Around 2 – 3% of people in the US have diagnosed severe hypothyroidism. A further 10 – 15% have subclinical forms of the disease. Experts though believe that true thyroid system dysfunction figures are much higher. Some believe it could be as high as 80 – 90% of the population!

Common Thyroid Disorders And Diseases

Diseases related to thyroid disorders include Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease. It is the most widespread thyroid disorder in developed countries. It causes hypothyroidism. Other thyroid diseases and disorders include Graves Disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroiditis are other diseases of this gland.

Thyroid Functions And Problems

The thyroid produces 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. The hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Problems in thyroid hormone production affect the entire body. Thyroid hormone controls metabolic function and energy production, right down to cellular level. When cells can’t get enough raw materials to produce energy, they can’t function correctly. This leads to problems with blood circulation. Also heart function, mood, body temperature and more.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms And Treatment

Thyroid symptoms causes a range of associated health disorders. Poor blood circulation slows down distribution of nutrients and oxygen to cells. This exacerbates the problems caused by lack of thyroid hormones. It also slows down removal of toxins from cells, causing toxic build up. This in turn sets off inflammation. A slow down in cellular metabolism causes lack of energy and sluggishness. It also contributes to a drop in basal temperature. This is the underlying mechanism for the characteristic hypothyroiditic low body temperature.

Thyroid hormones are involved in the production of important mood regulating neurotransmitters. Low levels of TH cause imbalances in these neurotransmitters. This affects mood. And contributes to the depression that so often comes with hypothyroidism. Which in turn contributes to stress and anxiety. And to the cascade of health problems that come with those.

Can Thyroid Disorders Be Treated Successfully?

Treatment for underactive thyroid disorders is with thyroid hormone replacement drugs. When taken according to instructions, most patients live normal, healthy lives.

Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTI)

Sometimes patients without thyroid-based illness will return abnormal results in thyroid function tests. This is Euthyroid sick syndrome or an NTI. Most patient recover full thyroid function once the NTI has passed.

Thyroid Symptoms Treatment

If you have thyroid issue symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though many symptoms are common to a range of other health conditions, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Most countries have official organizations that provide information and advice about thyroid conditions. There are also charities like Thyroid UK that offer support for people that have thyroid and similar disorders.